A first class career which started way back in the early 80s is on the verge of ending. Saba Karim, the former Indian cricketer is contemplating retirement. Talking to this correspondent at a function to announce the launch of an Under-16 school tournament Saba said, "The moment has probably come to call it a day. The possibility of playing for the country has ceased to exist. I had made up my mind a long time back that when such a situation arrived, I would call it a day. The motivation to play for the country had kept me going. Now the chances of a comeback have disappeared. There are plenty of other things to do in life. So it is time to bid adieu."

The wicket-keeper has taken to wearing glasses since that fateful day in May when Anil Kumble's delivery struck him at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka. He knows that with glasses it will be difficult for him to don the wicket-keeping gloves any more. So he has been the first one to congratulate Deep Dasgupta. "I gave him a call on Sunday. I told him to go and enjoy himself at the camp in Bangalore. He will learn a lot of things. He should really utilize the chance of being with so many senior pros." Karim who works in the Corporate Communications Division of TISCO also felt bad at the way the Ranji Trophy final between Baroda and Railways was hosted. "Did you see the ground where the final was played," he asked incredulously. He agreed to the view that the Ranji Trophy final should always be played at covered grounds simply because it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. "There should be some security for the players" he said.

Saba Karim is planning to go to England sometime within the next few months. "I want to pick up a degree in coaching" he said. "I would like to be associated with the game in some form or the other." At present, he is associated with various school level tournaments, trying to attract more and more young cricketers to the game.

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